National Anthropological Archives

MS 7322 Portrait of Pangu, the creator of the universe, undated

Summary

Collection ID:
NAA.MS7322
Dates:
undated
Languages:
Chinese
.
Physical Description:
1 Print
woodblock print colored in red and green on oiled paper
9.75 x 24 inches
Repository:
Container:
7322

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
The collection consists of one (1) woodblock print of Pangu, the creator of the universe in Chinese mythology. A print of this type was used in Chinese homes as a talisman. The print shows Pangu holding in his hands the sun (with yang symbol in ideograph) and the moon (with yin symbol in ideograph). Pangu created the universe by transforming yin and yang. An ax on a tree stump is an instrument believed to have been used by Pangu to separate earth and heaven. Inscribed at the top of the print is Chiling (magic credentials from the folk cult of Taoism), supplemented with yin-yang (the dual principle in nature) and bagua (the eight trigrams) symbols. The main inscription, as magic words, reads: Lingfu chenche chuxie xifu (An amulet to dispel evil, to guard home, and to bestow good fortune).
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Administration

Custodial History
The print was originally included in the United States National Museum ethnology collection without provenience data. It was transferred from the object collections of the Department of Anthropology to the National Anthropological Archives in March 1986.
Processing Information
Data furnished by Chang-su Houchins, of the Department of Anthropology. She consulted Rita Aero, Things Chinese, 1980, and W. M. Hawley, Chinese Folk Designs, 1949.

Digital Content


Using the Collection

Preferred Citation
MS 7322 Portrait of Pangu, creator of the universe, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution

More Information

Local Numbers

Local Numbers
NAA MS 7322
NAA INV 10000049


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Works of art Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Woodblock prints Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Chinese Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
China Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
East Asia Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Pangu (Chinese mythological character) Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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